Last updated on January 4th, 2024 at 03:26 pm
Bees. They’re not just the buzzing creatures that occasionally interrupt our picnics. They’re the unsung heroes of our ecosystem, the tiny workers that play a colossal role in the food we eat and the air we breathe. But today, they’re under threat, and we have the power to change that.
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The Silent Killer: Neonicotinoids
Neonicotinoids, often referred to as neonics, are a class of insecticides known for their potency. While they might be effective in protecting crops, they come at a devastating cost.
- Impact on Pollinators: Neonics don’t discriminate. They’re lethal to all pollinators, not just bees. Butterflies, beetles, and many other insects face the same deadly fate when exposed to these chemicals.
- Soil and Water Contamination: These chemicals don’t just vanish after use. They linger in the soil, seeping into waterways, affecting more than just the targeted pests.
- The Domino Effect: Pollinators are a crucial part of the food chain. Without them, many plants we rely on for food would struggle to reproduce. This isn’t just an issue for bees; it’s an issue for us.
The Controversial Decision
In the past three years, the UK government has permitted the use of neonics for beet growing without a parliamentary vote. This move is even more alarming considering that such derogations from the ban on these substances are no longer allowed in the EU due to the proven harm they cause to pollinators.
Even in 2023, the use of Cruiser SB beet seed coating was authorized against the advice of the government’s own experts. This isn’t just about bees; it’s about transparency, accountability, and the democratic process.
What is Cruiser SB?
Cruiser SB is a seed treatment product that contains thiamethoxam, which is a type of neonicotinoid insecticide. Neonicotinoids are a class of insecticides that act on the central nervous system of insects, leading to paralysis and death. They are systemic, meaning they are taken up by the plant and transported to all its parts, including leaves, flowers, roots, stems, pollen, and nectar.
The primary purpose of Cruiser SB is to protect seeds and seedlings from a variety of pests during their early growth stages. However, the use of neonicotinoids, including thiamethoxam, has been a topic of concern due to their potential impact on non-target organisms, particularly pollinators like bees.
Research has shown that neonicotinoids can have sub-lethal effects on bees, affecting their foraging behaviour, reproduction, and overall colony health. This has led to restrictions and bans on the use of certain neonicotinoids in various countries, including within the European Union.
Given the importance of bees and other pollinators in our ecosystems and for food production, it’s crucial to approach the use of such chemicals with caution and to continually evaluate their impacts based on the latest scientific evidence.
Your Signature, Their Survival
The health of our bees and pollinators is a concern that resonates with many in the UK. And it’s not just an environmental issue; it’s a food security issue, a biodiversity issue, and a future issue.
We’re not asking for much. We’re asking for:
- Greater democratic oversight of any future authorizations of these banned pesticides in the UK.
- A full parliamentary debate and vote on such critical decisions.
- The right for the public to hold accountable those who permit the use of bee-killing pesticides.
The petition is currently hosted on the parliament.uk website and has garnered 4,259 signatures at the time of writing. But we need more. We need your voice. If we reach 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in Parliament. We have until the 5th of January 2024 so please help us by signing and sharing!
Join the Movement
By signing this petition, you’re not just saving bees. You’re safeguarding our food, our environment, and our future. Let’s ensure that the hum of bees continues to be the soundtrack of our summers.
Sign the Petition Now and be a part of the change. If you’ve ever used one of Revive a Bee’s bee revival kits, you know just how precious each little life is. Let’s protect them together.
Remember, every signature counts. Share with friends, family and on social media. Together, we can make a difference.
